Index rises as markets gain ground

THE Irish Index of shares rose 43.82 points to 4291.77 yesterday, as markets across Europe gained ground.

The financials performed well. Allied Irish Bank regained Wednesday’s losses by adding 2.44% to 12.60. First Active added 1.59% to 4.47 after announcing residential mortgage advances to the end of May were 35% better than the same period last year.

Bank of Ireland fell 1.41% to 10.50. Elan Pharmaceutical Corp advanced 6.15% to 6.90. On a negative note, McInerney lost 2.27% from yesterday’s year high of 3.08 to close the session at 3.01.